Ronan frowned in confusion.
"What? Why do she and Prince Azrion have to train together? And where exactly are they going to do this training?" he asked.
King Darius sighed softly.
"It's… complicated. When the time is right, I'll explain everything to you, Ronan."
Ronan's expression hardened.
"Do I look like a child to you, Father? If you don't tell me, I'll find out myself. And trust me, you won't like it when I do."
"Ronan!" the king snapped. "Have you forgotten that I am not only your father, but also your king? Mind your tone, young man."
Ronan immediately lowered his head.
"I'm sorry, Father… it's just that Crystal is my sister. Can't I at least know why she's leaving with that prince? I've never even seen him before."
"Ronan…"
"Father, please… tell me what's going on."
The king paused before finally speaking.
"As I said, it's a long and complicated story. But to put it simply… if she doesn't go, she or Azrion could die."
Ronan's eyes widened in shock.
"Father… what… what do you mean?"
King Darius then told him everything—the ancient curse, the connection between Crystal and Azrion, and the journey they would have to make to Mount Solemn.
When the explanation was over, Ronan stood there speechless. Tears slowly filled his eyes.
"Why… was this hidden from me?" he asked quietly.
"I didn't want you to worry," the king replied gently.
Ronan wiped his eyes.
"Do you really think going to Mount Solemn can break the curse?"
"I don't know," the king admitted. "But we hope they'll find answers there. For Crystal's sake, we must stay strong… and have faith."
Ronan nodded slowly.
"Alright, Father… I'll be going now."
He bowed slightly before leaving the king's presence.
The next morning, Renee helped Princess Crystal prepare for her journey. Just then, Ronan entered the room.
"Ronan? What are you doing here?" Crystal asked.
"Can I talk to you?"
"Of course. Renee, could you excuse us for a moment?"
"Certainly, Princess," Renee replied before leaving the room.
Ronan looked at his sister seriously.
"So… when were you planning to tell me?"
Crystal raised an eyebrow.
"Tell you what?"
"Everything. About how you and that prince meeting each other triggered some ancient curse, and now your life is in danger. What bothers me most is how calm you seem about it."
Crystal gently took his hands and held them tightly.
"I know you're worried. And honestly… I'm really scared too."
She took a deep breath.
"But being afraid and doing nothing won't solve anything. I'd rather face it and take my chances. Besides… with all of you supporting me, I don't feel as scared anymore."
She smiled warmly.
"I promise I'm going to rewrite my destiny."
Ronan looked at her carefully.
"That's a promise?"
"A big one."
The two siblings embraced.
Just then Renee returned.
"Princess Crystal, your father says it's time to go."
Crystal nodded.
"Alright, I'm coming."
She turned to Ronan.
"Will you come see me off?"
Ronan smirked slightly.
"You bet. Besides, I want to meet this Azrion who apparently captured my sister's heart."
"Yeah right," Crystal replied, rolling her eyes.
A few hours later, King Darius, Queen Elizabeth, Crystal, Ronan, Sir Herold, and several royal guards arrived at the kingdom's border.
Waiting on the other side were Prince Azrion, his mother Queen Seraphine, and their guards.
When Crystal and Azrion saw each other, it felt as though their hearts skipped a beat. A quiet warmth passed between them, but they both quickly composed themselves under the watchful eyes of their parents.
The rulers exchanged formal greetings, and Queen Seraphine respectfully acknowledged Sir Herold.
King Darius then stepped closer to Azrion.
"You've grown into a fine young man. No wonder my daughter seems so fond of you."
"Father!" Crystal said, embarrassed.
Azrion smiled shyly.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Ronan leaned toward his sister and whispered,
"So that's him? He's lucky he's a prince and his mother is here. Otherwise, we'd spar first before he got anywhere near you."
"Ronan, stop it," Crystal muttered.
Sir Herold suddenly whistled loudly.
Three griffins descended from the sky and landed before them.
"Alright," Herold said. "I'm not one for wasting time. Crystal, Azrion—it's time to go."
Sir Herold mounted one griffin. Azrion followed.
Crystal, however, remained standing.
She had never ridden one alone before.
"Crystal… is something wrong?" King Darius asked.
"Umm… no, Father. I was just…"
She turned to Ronan.
"Could you help me up?"
"Of course."
Ronan lifted her onto the griffin.
Okay Grace… you can do this, she thought nervously. Just focus. Don't fall… and definitely don't die yet.
King Darius stepped forward.
"This is only the beginning of the path ahead of you. From today onward, your destiny lies in your own hands. Take care of each other… no matter what. We will always be here for you."
Ronan pointed at Azrion.
"You heard him. You better take care of my sister."
Azrion nodded firmly.
"I promise. I will."
Sir Herold gave the signal, and the griffins spread their wings and soared into the sky.
As they flew, Azrion glanced at Crystal and noticed something strange.
Her arms were tightly wrapped around the griffin's neck, and her face was buried in its feathers.
"Crystal… what are you doing? You can't fly like that," Azrion said.
Sir Herold looked back.
"What's the matter? Never ridden a griffin before? Sometimes you just have to take risks. Raise your head and fly properly."
"I can't…" Crystal muttered.
"That's an order."
Slowly, she raised her head.
The view was breathtaking—the endless skies, mountains in the distance, and the wind rushing past her.
She tried to balance herself.
This is much harder than it looks…
Then she accidentally glanced down.
"Aaaaaah!"
She immediately buried her face again.
Sir Herold groaned in frustration.
"Crystal, look at me," Azrion said gently as he guided his griffin closer.
"I'll be right here. You can do it."
She looked at him.
I… I can do this.
Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself on the griffin.
Gradually, her confidence grew.
"Thank you, Azrion."
"My pleasure."
They shared a warm smile.
"So… where exactly are we going, Sir?" Crystal asked.
Sir Herold looked ahead toward the distant mountains.
"You'll know when we get there."